I. LEARNING OBJECTIVES FOR EDUCATIONAL SUCCESS

1) Develop your scientific curiosity and understanding of the physics of your universe.

2) Develop your concentration, observation, memory, and analytical thinking skills.

3) Improve your laboratory techniques and skills.

4) Develop your aural(listening), oral, and written communication skills.

5) Improve your problem-solving skills.

6) Develop teamwork interaction through respect for individuality, flexibility, and adaptability.

7) Improve your work habits: concentration, patience, initiative, motivation, perseverence, and striving for excellence.

8) Improve your awareness of technology and instrumentation, and the required education for possible career goals in scientific fields.

II. THE LEARNING PROCESSES

1) Direct and instrumental OBSERVATIONS of physical phenomena are made through experiments and demonstrations.

2) Written materials are studied for class discussion and written EXPLANATIONS of physical phenomena are produced.

3) Memory-practice methods and skills are used in class and during study.

4) is practiced in class and as study.

5) Individual and team work is encouraged for puzzle-solving, and written analysis of specific concepts and experiments.

6) Tests require written-answer, problem-solving, objective and essay-question skills.

III. GRADING

1) tests--your performances are 80% of your academic grade

2) experiments, classwork, homework, and peer tutoring--count 20%

4) unexcused absences and tardies--3 tardies = 1 cut which will lower your academic grade by 1/3 (A- to B+, and so on) and your citizenship grade to W or U(3 or more cuts).

IV. THE PHYSICS TOPICS

1)Physics with Concepts, Mathematical Tools and Kinematics

2)Motion and Forces 8) Periodic Motion, Waves, and Sound

3)2-Dimensional Motion 9) Electricity/Magnetism

4)Newton’s Universal Gravitation 10) Light/Optics

5)Momentum 11) Thermal Energy

6)Work, Power, Machines & Energy 12) Gas Laws/Phase Changes

7) Conservation of Energy

(OVER FOR COMMITMENT CONTRACT)

COLLEGE-PREPARATORY REGULAR PHYSICS-Mr. D. Zapata P.2

V. COMMITMENT CONTRACT

Most students find that the study of Physics is a fundamental and one of the most challenging, but interesting , of all sciences. For that reason colleges and universities view your Physics grade as a strong indication of your willingness to accept and meet general academic challenge and adversity , not just in science classes. Regular Physics at George Washington High School has been awarded college-preparatory status by the University of California system and all equivalent (Stanford, Harvard, ...) and other universities and colleges. You probably have discovered that success in any area of your life developed slowly by consistent work or practice. Successful performance in Physics and other educational success depends on perseverence and active mental practice! If necessary, discuss with your parents or guardian or other career professional, artist, musician, or athlete the importance of concentration and preseverence to their success and your future success !

I am asking that BOTH you and your parent or guardian study this syllabus and sign that you understand that successful completion of the course requires a well-prepared student to do at least one-half to a full hour per class day of student studying and practice in a highly supportive family and friend environment.

If you have any questions, please call the school number below between 9:30 am and 12:30 pm.

Thank you,

Daryl J. Zapata

(415)750-8400, x 3337 or 3338

Student name(printed):

Student signature:

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